Episode 24: Strengthening Transitions from Early Years to Primary

Evelyn Carter

Welcome back to Leading for Impact in Anangu Lands Schools. It’s Evelyn here, joined, as always, by Liam and Dan. Today, we’re diving into a topic that sits close to my heart—and probably to a lot of you out there too—strengthening that big step for kids as they move from early years programs into primary school. It’s one of those moments that sticks with you, I reckon, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or even the kid themselves!

Dan Harrison

Yeah, it’s a huge milestone, isn’t it? And—look—I’ll admit, my first year teaching on the Lands, I didn’t quite get just how big the leap could feel for the little ones—especially for A̲nangu kids. There’s all these routines, expectations, new faces. And if you’re not careful, if that transition isn’t handled with care and respect, you see a fair bit of anxiety, or kids just feeling lost. But when you get it right, you can set them up to feel confident, safe, ready to learn.

Liam Warragul

Absolutely, Dan. And that sense of safety and confidence is really tied to cultural continuity, isn’t it? If kids come in and see their language, their ways of doing, their mob, still present in the new setting, it makes a world of difference. We’ve talked in other episodes—for those listening in week after week—about how crucial it is for A̲nangu knowledge and language to stay central in our schools. That’s just as important during transitions. Maybe even more so.

Evelyn Carter

Yes! And—look—sometimes we can get caught up in Department checklists or policies, but we can’t forget the importance of keeping those Anangu cultural practices, language, that sense of home, alive and visible in every part of the school. If you’re just following the policy and missing the local priorities, you’re really missing the mark, hey?

Dan Harrison

You are, and I think that really comes through in how we plan those transitions. I always reckon, you’ve got to start with collaboration. Get the early years educators, the primary teachers, the AEWs, families—everyone in the room. It’s not just a handover, it’s proper shared planning, making sure there’s continuity, especially with routines and learning expectations. When Anangu voices are in that process? That’s when you get real buy-in and kids see themselves in the school right from the start.

Liam Warragul

Exactly, Dan. Shared planning is the backbone, really. But you also need those practical steps, you know? I’ve seen sites set up orientation programs—slowly introducing kids to the new classroom, the playground, teachers—sometimes over weeks, not just a single visit. During orientation, keeping up language, having familiar A.E.s and family members present, it helps kids ease in, keeps the fear down.

Evelyn Carter

Yes, and that’s where the families come into it, too. I’m always amazed at how powerful it is to have families involved right from the get-go. When they help with planning, when they’re in the classroom or on country with the teachers, the kids sense that it’s a place their family trusts. I remember a grandmother in Amata saying to me, “If the family is comfortable, the child will be too.” That stuck with me. It’s such a simple but powerful reminder.

Dan Harrison

Totally. And it’s not just about the first day—it’s an ongoing relationship. I’ve seen some really strong transitions where school staff check in with families after a few weeks, or invite them back for another yarn or a cuppa. Little things—like sending home photos of kids enjoying activities, or making sure family know what’s coming up next. That kind of communication helps everybody stay on the same page.

Liam Warragul

And what about collaboration across sectors, hey? I think that’s one area that doesn’t always get enough attention. Bringing in community organisations, sometimes health workers, or even older students as buddies—all of that can help create consistency and build up that sense of belonging and support. Like we said a few episodes back—real partnership is about everyone pulling in the same direction, not just ticking boxes.

Evelyn Carter

I might just jump in here, because leadership’s role in all of this is massive. As a principal, you can make or break a transition process. Making sure the plan ticks both the Department’s expectations and the local priorities, not just one or the other, that’s leadership in action, right? And keeping those lines open between early years and primary staff is critical. Reflection’s a big part of it as well.

Dan Harrison

Speaking of reflection—those questions in the transition guidance are pretty useful. Things like, “How do we actually support kids through that move?” and “Where can we strengthen cultural continuity?” I’m a bit of a data nerd, so tracking things like attendance and wellbeing helps us see what’s working. But honestly, just asking families and the kids themselves makes a heap of difference. Sometimes, their ideas are the best starting point for improving transition plans.

Liam Warragul

Spot on, Dan. And adding to that—embedding Anangu language and cultural practices through the change-over keeps that feeling of belonging alive, even when everything else is shifting. It’s the core of a culturally responsive transition. We could probably keep going for hours, but maybe we should leave folks with some food for thought.

Evelyn Carter

Yeah, I know we’ve just scratched the surface here today, but hopefully there’s a few sparks for reflection. If you’re part of a school or community team, maybe take a look at those reflection questions—how you’re tracking the success of transitions, how you’re involving Anangu voices, and where some fresh collaboration could happen between early years and primary teams.

Dan Harrison

And don’t forget—it’s all about setting those young ones up well, right from the start. It isn’t just ticking boxes, it’s about building confidence, relationships, and belonging for every child making that jump.

Liam Warragul

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for listening—be sure to tune in again, we’ll be digging deeper into these partnerships and transitions in the coming weeks.

Evelyn Carter

Thanks, Liam. Thank you, Dan. Can’t wait for next time—and thanks to everyone listening in. See you soon.

Dan Harrison

Yeah, thanks everyone. Take care and good luck supporting those little ones!

Liam Warragul

Bye all. Yalura!